The giant rabbit which died during a long-haul flight (Report, 27 April) was failed first by the breeder – who churns out and sells baby bunnies when shelters and rescue groups are full of homeless rabbits – and then by United Airlines, which shipped it off in a cargo hold like an old suitcase. This rabbit’s death is not unique. More than 300 animals have died in cargo holds since 2005, and many more have been injured or lost. Peta urges United to join JetBlue and Southwest in prohibiting companion animals from being flown as checked baggage in the confusion, noise, extreme temperatures, and improper pressurisation of a cargo hold.Jennifer WhitePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta)